Drug Detox: The First Step Toward Lasting Sobriety and What to Expect

Drug Detox: The First Step Toward Lasting Sobriety and What to Expect

Understanding Drug Detox and Why It Matters

What Is Drug Detox?

Drug detox, or detoxification, is a medically supervised process where harmful substances are removed from the body accumulated through drug use.

This is a natural process that occurs once someone stops using drugs or alcohol, allowing the body to begin natural recovery. Included in a detox program is withdrawal management to ensure that the client is safe and comfortable. Detox is the first step of any substance use disorder (SUD) or addiction treatment program.

How Does the Detoxification Process Work?

The detox process is a multi-step process that allows substances to pass out of the body while managing withdrawal symptoms. 

Once a person stops taking drugs or alcohol, detox begins. The body begins to break down any remaining substances in the system and excretes them through urine or sweat.

During this time, the brain will start to react to the absence of drugs or alcohol, which can cause withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms are managed through medications and other interventions, giving the brain time to reset its neurotransmitter systems to normal functioning without the influence of drugs.

The time it takes to detox completely varies by age, length of substance use, and the type of substances being used. Once a person is stabilized through detox, they can seek further treatment.

Receiving detox at a detox or addiction treatment center may also include other therapeutic modalities, such as individual or group therapy.

Detox at Infinite Recovery

What Can I Expect in a Medically Supervised Detox Program?

Our medical detox program involves 24/7 oversight by medical professionals trained in addiction medicine, which allows for a comfortable and safe detox experience. 

At Infinite Recovery, our clients receive an evidence-based and holistic experience that encourages healing and rest. This includes daily visits with medical staff and providers, an encouraging and comfortable setting, individual and group therapy, and chef-prepared meals.

How Do Clinicians Manage Withdrawal Symptoms Safely?

Clinicians and medical specialists manage withdrawal symptoms safely with the help of specialized medications and medical supervision. 

24/7 supervision allows medical professionals to spot potential medication side effects or worsening of withdrawal symptoms and address them quickly to minimize discomfort and pain.

What Do People Take to Get Off Drugs?

Various medications exist to help with withdrawal symptoms, with some common examples being buprenorphine, naltrexone, and methadone.

These medications are FDA-approved and prescribed as needed. What you or a loved one may need to manage withdrawal symptoms varies depending on the type of drug you are detoxing from, as well as your medical history.

Physical and Emotional Symptoms of Withdrawal

What Are the Common Physical Symptoms of Withdrawal?

Some of the most common physical symptoms of drug withdrawal include: 

• Headaches
• Sweating and/or chills
• Stomach and digestive problems (such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, etc.) 
• Loss of appetite 
• Problems sleeping, including insomnia
• Fatigue 
• Rapid heart rate and palpitations
• High blood pressure 
• Trembling and tremors
• Muscle pain or aches

The symptoms of withdrawal that occur depend on the type of drug and how long it’s been taken.

How Does Detox Impact Mental Health and Emotions?

When detoxing, several psychological withdrawal symptoms can appear that can impact mental health, with some examples being:

• Irritability
• Mood changes or mood swings
• Cravings
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Intense feelings of sadness or fear
• Feeling unsettled
• Confusion
• Inability to feel pleasure
• Difficulty concentrating or thinking clearly 
• Impaired short-term memory functions
• Paranoia

When Can Withdrawal Become Life-Threatening?

Withdrawal symptoms are typically not life-threatening, but some withdrawal symptoms and complications related to alcohol and benzodiazepine detox can be.  

Long-term alcohol use can sometimes lead to hallucinations, seizures, and delirium tremens (DTs) when detoxing. Benzodiazepines can, in rare cases, lead to withdrawal symptoms of seizures or psychosis. Delirium tremors and seizures can be fatal or cause severe damage if left untreated.

Withdrawal symptoms that cause diarrhea and vomiting can cause severe dehydration if left untreated. These symptoms are commonly associated with opioid withdrawal.

Types of Detox Programs and Treatment Settings

What Is the Difference Between Inpatient and Outpatient Detox?

While in inpatient detox, you stay at a specialized facility, while outpatient detox lets you detox at home. 

What kind of detox you or a loved one will need will depend on individual needs and risk factors. Inpatient detox is best for clients with severe to moderate addictions or substance use disorders who are at risk for serious complications during detox.

Outpatient detox is best for clients who are least at risk for complications. Even so, medical oversight remains an important part of detox, regardless of whether it is inpatient or outpatient.

How Long Does Inpatient Detox Last?

The exact time needed for inpatient detox varies, but it’s usually completed between a couple of days and a little over a week, with your treatment provider able to give an accurate estimate.

Factors such as the age of the client, the substance being abused, its dosage, and the length of time the substance was used can influence how long detox lasts. Detox is not rushed to ensure your safety during the process.

How Do I Know Which Detox Program Is Right for Me?

Your medical and mental health care providers will work with you to determine which detox program is right for you. 

Of course, you still have a say in your treatment, but your care team will examine your medical and personal needs to help you determine which program will best help you safely and comfortably detox.

Detox for Different Substances

How Is Opioid Withdrawal Treated?

Opioid withdrawal is managed with medications such as methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) notes that these medications are safe and effective in treating harmful opioid use if taken with medical oversight and approval. They work by blocking opioid receptors and reducing the feelings of pleasure for both opioids and opiates, thus alleviating withdrawal symptoms and reducing cravings.

These drugs are commonly used in medication-assisted treatment (MAT).

What Happens During Alcohol Detox?

Alcohol withdrawal symptoms are managed carefully during detox, as some withdrawal symptoms can be life-threatening. 

Normal alcohol withdrawal symptoms include anxiety, sweating, and tremors. However, in severe cases, a person may experience hallucinations, seizures, or even delirium tremens, which is a potentially fatal condition if left untreated. Due to these risks, clients in alcohol rehab are carefully monitored to ensure their safety.

How Is Benzodiazepine or Prescription Drug Detox Managed?

Benzodiazepines and other prescription drugs are gradually tapered off during detox to minimize withdrawal symptoms. 

This is a careful process done through medical supervision, and eventually, the client will be able to stop taking these drugs entirely. Suddenly stopping any prescription drug without medical oversight can be dangerous, and medical professionals will be able to help you go through this process safely.

The Role of Medical Supervision and Safety in Detox

Why Is Medical Supervision Essential During Detoxification?

Medical supervision ensures that clients are safe and comfortable during detox.

A medical professional can catch a complication before it becomes a problem and adjust medications to reduce unneeded pain and discomfort.

What Are the Risks of Detoxing Without Professional Help?

Detoxing without professional help comes with the risk of you:

• Having a serious complication without immediate medical help nearby, which can be deadly in some instances
• Being subjected to unnecessary pain and discomfort
• Relapsing and taking substances again to soothe withdrawal symptoms and cravings 

People who utilize professional help to detox are typically safer and less likely to relapse compared to people who don’t.

How Do Medical Professionals Ensure Client Comfort and Safety?

Detox centers employ medical professionals who monitor clients to ensure their safety.

With 24/7 supervision, medical professionals can check in with you regularly to monitor your overall well-being. If problems arise or you’re uncomfortable, they can make adjustments or give immediate assistance.

Building a Foundation for Recovery After Detox

What Happens After Detox?

Detox is usually followed up with further addiction treatment as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.

Commonly, clients immediately move into either residential or inpatient treatment, partial hospitalization, or intensive outpatient treatment once they complete detox, depending on their individual needs and treatment plan.

How Does Detox Connect to Long-Term Treatment and Recovery?

Treating drug addiction involves long-term planning and support, with the first step being detox. 

Detox is essential to help clients detox and stabilize safely so they can focus on further treatment. Without detox, people are more likely to relapse and be trapped in a cycle of addiction.

What Treatment Options Support Lasting Sobriety?

Addiction and substance abuse treatment require a comprehensive approach to treatment, which promotes lasting recovery, including detox, various treatment programs, and aftercare programs. 

Comprehensive treatment typically consists of detox, followed by a treatment program of choice, and then aftercare and continued support. This can include treatment options such as inpatient treatment, partial hospitalization, and outpatient treatment.

Aftercare options can include sober living housing, access to support groups, and alumni programs. Therapy options vary depending on the needs of the individual, but the most common include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), group therapy, and relapse-prevention therapy.

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), 50.2 million American adults consider themselves to be in recovery from their substance use and/or mental health problems. This shows that recovery is possible for anyone, especially when they accept professional help.

The Infinite Recovery Approach to Detox and Healing

How Does Infinite Recovery Personalize Each Detox Plan?

Each detox plan at Infinite Recovery is evidence-based and overseen by medical healthcare professionals. 

Clients are assessed by medical professionals to determine individual needs and develop a safe detox plan. Part of detox may also include various therapies and therapeutic modalities to address areas where the client needs assistance.

What Makes Infinite Recovery’s Continuum of Care Unique?

Infinite Recovery offers a full continuum of care, which allows clients to receive the behavioral health treatment they need with minimal stress or delay.

Clients may choose to continue treatment at Infinite Recovery or seek a referral to a different treatment facility. The goal is to ensure that each client is supported before, during, and long after treatment is complete.

How Does Family Involvement Support the Recovery Journey?

Family involvement supports recovery by:

• Providing crucial emotional support and encouragement 
• Encouraging open communication 
• Creating a stable environment for further recovery
• Reducing relapse risk through accountability and identifying triggers 

Detox and addiction treatment can be scary. Having a family that loves and supports you can give you the courage needed to participate in detox, treatment, and continued recovery.

Preparing for Detox: What Clients and Loved Ones Should Know

How Can You Support a Loved One Entering Detox?

You can support your loved one entering detox by:

• Being empathetic and understanding
• Learning about the detox process
• Encouraging continued professional help
• Being present, but respecting boundaries
• Assist in continued treatment planning 

You should also remember to take care of yourself and utilize support groups if needed. Avoid tactics such as guilt-tripping, judgment, or lecturing, as this will not help your loved one. Detox centers like Infinite Recovery often offer guidance and assistance to families with loved ones in recovery.

What Should You Bring to a Detox Facility?

Common items you should bring to detox include:

• Valid photo ID and insurance card
• Comfortable clothing and sleepwear, enough for 7-10 days
• Unopened and alcohol-free basic toiletries (no aerosols, razors, or nail clippers)
• Small comfort objects, such as a favorite book or family photo
• Medications in original bottles
• Comfortable footwear such as sneakers or slip-on shoes 

Before starting detox, you will be given a list of what you should and shouldn’t bring. If you need help or have questions, the staff will be happy to guide you.

How Can You Mentally Prepare for Detox and Recovery?

You can mentally prepare for detox and recovery by:

• Acknowledging and accepting that you need help
• Developing a positive mindset and recognizing your motivations for change
• Working with a professional to identify triggers and build coping strategies, such as visualization, mindfulness, and building a strong support network
• Addressing mental health concerns before detox
• Setting realistic expectations and practicing self-care
• Preparing for continued recovery after detox

Staff at detox centers like Infinite Recovery will work with you to help you prepare fully for detox and continued care.

Frequently Asked Questions About Drug Detox

What is the process of drug detoxification?

Drug detoxification occurs once you stop taking drugs or alcohol, which allows your body to naturally excrete them from your system. 

During detox, medical professionals will supervise you to make sure you are comfortable and that everything is proceeding normally. Drug detox can take some time, but you will begin to see withdrawal symptoms start to lessen after a few days.

How many days does it take to detox from drugs?

The exact time it takes to detox in a detoxification program varies, but it can range from several days to a week or more. 

Factors such as the age of the client, the type of drug being used, how long it was used for, and the dosage can lessen or increase the time needed to fully detox.

Is detox painful?

Detox can be painful and uncomfortable if done without medical oversight.

Medically supervised detox utilizes various medications and therapeutic support to make detox as comfortable and painless as possible.

Can I detox from home safely?

It’s generally inadvisable to attempt to detox at home without first speaking to a medical professional. 

Although some people can detox at home, it can be an uncomfortable, painful, and risky process. Choosing medically assisted detox ensures that you will be safe and comfortable during the process and have access to medical professionals during an emergency.

What’s the difference between detox and rehab?

Detox is the process of removing harmful substances from the body while managing withdrawal symptoms, while rehab addresses the psychological and behavioral aspects of addiction through therapy and support. 

A rehab facility may offer both detox and rehab as part of an inpatient treatment program. Detox is usually the first step in the recovery process and is quickly followed by treatment once the client has stabilized.

What happens if withdrawal symptoms become severe?

If withdrawal symptoms become severe, medical professionals are on standby to assist. 

Detox facilities have 24/7 medical oversight, so any sign of discomfort or medical emergency can be addressed quickly. This can range from providing medication to make you feel more comfortable to full medical treatment for severe and dangerous symptoms.

Does insurance cover detox treatment?

Many insurance plans cover detox treatment, but coverage can vary. 

Infinite Recovery accepts most major insurance as an in-network provider. Contact our admissions office to verify your insurance and learn more.

Take the First Step Toward Long-Term Recovery Today

Are you looking to recover from drug abuse and addiction? Getting started at Infinite Recovery is easy. 

Call or contact us today to speak to one of our caring staff members. Anyone can recover from addiction, including yourself and your loved ones. So don’t wait, take the first step in recovery today.

Infinite Recovery is here to help you or a loved one begin the recovery journey. The first step of which is detoxification. Our medical detox program is safe, effective, and compassionate, allowing our clients to detox as comfortably as possible. To learn how medical detox can help you or a loved one, call Infinite Recovery today at (844) 928-1502.